Love tokens...

[Bavaria Mike]

Here are two love tokens I found around Colchester England. They were given to a woman by a man like an engagement ring would have been presented. The first token was made from a late 1600s silver coin. Traditionally, the coins were rubbed down so the coins details were no longer visible and some even have the man?s initials on them, then they were bent to form a ?Z? or an ?S?. After being in a plowed farm field for years, these tokens have lost most of there ?Z? form but it is still obvious. Here?s the obverse.

Reverse.

Obverse of another silver coin love token. The tokens were made from copper, silver and even gold coins according to the class of the person giving the love token.

Reverse.

Side view of the tokens, the ?Z? form can still be seen. HH, Mike

 

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[civilman1]

Do you think they were originaly that thin Mike or did time take it's toll.Anyway thank's for sharing.Good luck and HH!!

 

[SHERMANVILLE ILLINOIS]

BM,

interesting.

have a good un........

 

[Mona Lisa]

That's interesting, Mike. I don't understand why they were bent. Is it so they didn't get spent by accident?

 

[Michigan Badger]

Old love tokens are very popular on ebay and some are very nicely engraved. But watch out for the fakes!

I found this 17th century thin hammered copper coin that had been cut in half. I was surprised to get both pieces. After I looked at it I saw that someone had cut it right between the two lions.

So, I posted it on ebay and the bidding was fierce. I got a very good price for it and the buyer wrote and really thanked me for offering it. He was going to keep half and give his wife the other half as a love token.

I can't help but wonder if it were that back in the 1600's

 

[Nana40]

There must have been a lotta love gone into that token! Look how thin!

That's neat! I learned something new today! Thanks!

 

[jgpreston]

Interesting! Thanks for sharing.

 

[trk5capt]

Mike, Very Interesting Finds as Always, Congrats. trk5capt... 8)

 

[Leon]

Great little piece of history, WTG!!!
Good luck, & Happy hunting~

 

[Charlene]

Real nice history lesson and a real unique Valentines gift for someone. Sure beats a box of chocolates hands down. Thanks for sharing Bavaria Mike.

 

[Burdie]

Hey Mike cool finds. Thanks for the Post. HH Burdie

 

[JerV3]

Nice old love tokens Mike. They may have grinded them down on something to speed up the process then rubbed them for awhile.

HH Jer

 

[civilman1]

Could be one of those Hoosier Daddy token's...never know

 

[Southcacalaky]

Good info. thanks, HH Art...

 

[tsgman]

Wow, thats a neat story, thanks Mike, nice finds. Tsgman

 

[bk]

Love tokens are cool. I have a couple that are just engraved coins with scenery.

Old love tokens are very popular on ebay and some are very nicely engraved. But watch out for the fakes!

I found this 17th century thin hammered copper coin that had been cut in half. I was surprised to get both pieces. After I looked at it I saw that someone had cut it right between the two lions.

So, I posted it on ebay and the bidding was fierce. I got a very good price for it and the buyer wrote and really thanked me for offering it. He was going to keep half and give his wife the other half as a love token.

I can't help but wonder if it were that back in the 1600's?

Badger, Honestly. how can you fake a love token?